Washington Post Examines Bush Administration’s Increased Focus on Funding for Faith-Based Poverty, HIV Education Programs
The Washington Post on Tuesday examined the Bush administration's "pus[h] for increased funding for religion-based groups while proposing deep cuts for many traditional anti-poverty programs." One of the groups that has benefited from the increased funding for faith-based initiatives is the Baltimore-based Project ARISE -- which stands for abstinence, remembering, instilling pride, self-worth and education. Rev. Bertha Greene began the program in 1999, and this year it received a $249,000 federal grant, up from $105,000 in 2004. Outreach workers with the project inform drug users about its HIV testing program and counseling services, as well as help them find housing, needle exchanges and other resources, the Post reports. Although the program promotes abstinence, it also educates participants about safe sex practices to prevent the spread of disease. "Being a faith-based organization, it was an awkward place for us to be," Greene says, adding, "We believe in abstinence" but have to meet clients "where they are." Project ARISE clients say that the program is "a godsend," according to the Post (Fletcher, Washington Post, 5/17).
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